Summer and Smoke 1948 - Articles Page 2

Opened: October 6, 1948

Summer and Smoke - 1948 - Broadway History , Info & More

Music Box Theatre (Broadway)
239 West 45th St. New York, NY

One of Tennessee Williams’ most subtle and tender works, Summer and Smoke explores the conflict between the hedonistic body and the lofty spirit. Set in Mississippi, Alma Winemiller, the minister’s daughter, has grown up loving the boy who lives next door: John Buchanan, the doctor’s son, is a wild, adventurous, mischievous pleasure seeker. He spends the hot Mississippi summers drinking, gambling, and romancing. His only religion is the anatomy chart on his wall, and what it teaches him about man’s needs: food, truth, and lovemaking. Alma, on the other hand, is quiet, eccentric, and high-strung. Her name means “soul” in Spanish; she aspires to lofty spiritual goals, and holds to strong moral standards. Despite their differences, John and Alma are magnetically drawn to each other, and the spiritual and physical romance that almost blooms between the two of them is among the most engaging, romantic, and heartbreaking love stories in Williams’ canon.

Summer and Smoke - 1948 - Broadway Cast

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Summer and Smoke - 1948 - Broadway Articles Page 2

Photo Flash: First Look at SUMMER AND SMOKE at Almeida Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Mar 8, 2018


The girl who said 'no' - she doesn't exist anymore, she died last summer - suffocated in smoke from something on fire inside her. In the heat of summer - under the wings of an angel - Alma meets John. Trapped between desire and fear in a life of obligation, her world turns upside down in the search for salvation. Check out photos from the production below!

Classic Stage Company Announces Cast of SUMMER AND SMOKE - Hannah Elless, Marin Ireland, and More
by Julie Musbach - Mar 6, 2018


Classic Stage Company presents a new production of Tennessee Williams' SUMMER AND SMOKE, directed by Jack Cummings III, Artistic Director of The Transport Group, beginning performances Friday, April 13. The cast of SUMMER AND SMOKE will feature Glenna Brucken (Rosemary), Phillip Clark (Dr. Buchanan), and more.

Photo Flash: Inside Rehearsals for SUMMER AND SMOKE at the Almeida
by Stephi Wild - Feb 7, 2018


The girl who said 'no' - she doesn't exist anymore, she died last summer - suffocated in smoke from something on fire inside her. In the heat of summer - under the wings of an angel - Alma meets John.

Full Cast Announced For SUMMER AND SMOKE at the Almeida Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 2, 2018


Joining the previously announced Patsy Ferran are Seb Carrington, Nancy Crane, Eric MacLennan, Forbes Masson, Matthew Needham, Tok Stephen and Anjana Vasan. The production is designed by Tom Scutt, with lighting design by Lee Curran, composition by Angus MacRae, sound by Carolyn Downing and casting by Julia Horan.

Yvette Cason, Jim Rash and More Round Out MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Cast at Pasadena Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - Dec 14, 2017


Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre of California, has announced complete casting for their production of the original 1947 radio play of Miracle on 34th Street, which is being presented in honor of its 70th anniversary for a limited engagement of 14 performances from December 14 to 23 (press opening is December 15).

Yvette Cason, Jim Rash and More Round Out MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Cast at Pasadena Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - Dec 4, 2017


Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre of California, has announced complete casting for their production of the original 1947 radio play of Miracle on 34th Street, which is being presented in honor of its 70th anniversary for a limited engagement of 14 performances from December 14 to 23 (press opening is December 15).

HERMAN LEONARD: THE RHYTHM OF OLD NEW YORK Exhibition to Open This Fall at Robert Mann Gallery
by BWW News Desk - Sep 7, 2017


Herman Leonard: The Rhythm of Old New York will be on view at Robert Mann Gallery September 7 - October 14, 2017, with an opening reception set for September 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.

HERMAN LEONARD: THE RHYTHM OF OLD NEW YORK Exhibition to Open This Fall at Robert Mann Gallery
by BWW News Desk - Aug 10, 2017


Herman Leonard: The Rhythm of Old New York will be on view at Robert Mann Gallery September 7 - October 14, 2017, with an opening reception set for September 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE, Mike Bartlett Premiere and More Slated for Almeida Theatre's New Season
by BWW News Desk - Jul 17, 2017


Almeida Artistic Director Rupert Goold said: 'We are thrilled to present three major new productions at the Almeida, including two world premieres and one rare revival. Spanning the Atlantic and beyond, this season is a timely and limitless interrogation into contemporary cultural anxieties and the power we have over our own lives.'

Pittsburgh Symphony to Feature Neil Sedaka in PNC Pops Concert, 5/12
by Christina Mancuso - Apr 27, 2017


Since first achieving fame as a teen pop sensation in the 1950s, Neil Sedaka has kept America singing for six decades. He brings the timeless hits of his storied career to Heinz Hall to perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra during the PNC Pops weekend May 12-14.

BWW Review: PRT's Superlative ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE Extends
by Don Grigware - Aug 15, 2016


1948's Summer and Smoke was rewritten in the 60s by Tennessee Williams and what resulted was a more clearly structured/themed play with the same central characters entitled The Eccentricities of a Nightingale. Music teacher Miss Alma (Ginna Carter), daughter of an Episcopal minister Reverend Winemiller (Brad Greenquist), was passionately in love with her neighbor young Dr. John Buchanan (Andrew Dits) and when that love was unrequited rather than become a miserable spinster, she turned to  prostitution. Now in a rare and lovely production of the refined play at PRT, poetic spirit is alive and well in Miss Alma, the Spanish word for soul.

Full Cast Announced for Tennessee Williams's A LOVELY SUNDAY IN CREVE COEUR at The Print Room
by Marianka Swain - Aug 9, 2016


Artistic Director of The Print Room at the Coronet Anda Winters today announces the full cast for Tennessee Williams' rarely performed A LOVELY SUNDAY IN CREVE COEUR, which opens the theatre's new Autumn season. Michael Oakley directs Debbie Chazen as Bodey, Hermione Gulliford as Helena, Laura Rogers as Dorothea and Julia Watson as Miss Gluck. The production opens in the main theatre space on 15 September, with previews from 12 September and runs until 7 October.

Print Room at The Coronet Announces Autumn 2016 Season
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 13, 2016


Artistic Director Anda Winters today announces Print Room at the Coronet's forthcoming season running through until December 2016. The season opens with Tennessee Williams' A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur, directed by Michael Oakley. The production opens in the main theatre space on 15 September, with previews from 12 September, and runs until 7 October.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE Opens 7/22 at ?The City Theatre
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 12, 2016


The City Theatre continues its summer season with the Tennessee Williams American classic, The Glass Menagerie, which revolutionized modern drama and is still an undisputed masterpiece from one of the great voices of the American theatre.  Directed by Jeff Hinkle and starring Ben McLemore, Sarah Zeringue, Terri Bennett, and Donato De Luca. The production runs July 22 - August 14, 2016.

West Coast Premiere of Tennessee Williams' BABY DOLL Set for Fountain Theatre, 7/16-8/29
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 9, 2016


This summer, L.A. audiences get to see a brand new play by Tennessee Williams. Simon Levy directs the West Coast premiere of Baby Doll, adapted by Pierre Laville and Emily Mann from the 1956 Academy Award-nominated film of the same name - the first-ever Williams Estate-approved adaptation of this Williams screenplay. Baby Doll opens at the Fountain Theatre on July 16, starring Daniel Bess, Karen Kondazian, Lindsay LaVanchy, John Prosky and George Roland.

Virginia Repertory Theatre to Present Tennessee Williams' SUMMER AND SMOKE, 4/22-5/15
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 6, 2016


Virginia Repertory Theatre announces the opening of Summer and Smoke by Tennessee Williams at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, 114 West Broad Street on Friday, April 22 with a preview on Thursday, April 21. The production runs through May 15, 2016. Set in Mississippi at the dawn of the 20th century, the story centers on a young woman's sexual awareness as it evolves from chaste modesty to desire. First staged on Broadway in 1948, the show was not well received. A 1952 revival at Circle in the Square Theatre featuring a legendary performance by Geraldine Page received rave reviews and was credited with beginning the Off-Broadway movement. Stu Falconer, one of six New York actors to form Barksdale Theatre (now Virginia Rep) in 1953, left his job as the stage manager of that Circle in the Square production to move to Virginia.

BWW Review: Actors Co-op Sizzles with SUMMER AND SMOKE
by Don Grigware - Mar 7, 2016


Tennessee Williams published Summer and Smoke in 1948 and revised and rewrote it in 1964 as The Eccentricities of a Nightingale. Summer and Smoke is the popular, much revived version despite the fact Tennessee himself among many critics considered the second version to be the most lyrical representation of Miss Alma, the Spanish word for soul. In both plays singer/music teacher Alma Winemiller (Tara Battani), daughter of an Episcopalean minister (Jeffrey Markle), is passionately in love with her neighbor young Dr. John Buchanan (Gregory James) and when that love is gradually unrequited rather than become a miserable spinster, after a long struggle of illness and isolation, she turns to prostitution. In a handsome production of Summer and Smoke at Actors co-op, Williams' debate between the flesh and the spirit, body vs. soul, is still burning with poetic truth after almost 70 years.

A Red Orchid Theatre Extends THE MUTILATED
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 8, 2016


?Due to popular demand, A Red Orchid Theatre has extended its critically-acclaimed production of Tennessee Williams' The Mutilated, directed by Ensemble Member Dado. The Mutilated will now run through March 13, 2016. The Mutilated features Ensemble Members Lance Baker, Jennifer Engstrom, Mierka Girten, Steve Haggard, Shade Murray, Doug Vickers and Natalie West with Ciera Dawn, Jennifer Glasse, Roy Gonzalez, Mario Hernandez, Morgan Maher, Lauren Vogel and Dominque Worsley. A Red Orchid Theatre is located at 1531 N Wells.

Actors Co-Op to Present Tennessee Williams' SUMMER AND SMOKE, 3/2-4/17
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 2, 2016


Actors Co-op (Ovation Award-Winner 2014 Best Intimate Theatre Musical for 110 in the Shade) announces the third show in its 2015-2016 season (and 24th year of producing theatrical excellence in Los Angeles!) with Tennessee Williams masterpiece SUMMER AND SMOKE, directed by Thom Babbes.  SUMMER AND SMOKE will preview on Wednesday, March 2 and Thursday, March 3 at 8pm and will open on Friday, March 4 at 8pm and run through Sunday, April 17 at the Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St. (on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood) in Hollywood.

Full Cast Set for UK Premiere of TENNESSEE WILLIAMS' ONE ARM, Adapted by Moises Kaufman
by Tyler Peterson - May 12, 2015


Alex Turner Productions today announces the full cast for the UK premiere of Tennessee Williams' One Arm adapted for the stage by Moises Kaufman. Josh Seymour directs Joe Jameson (The Divinity Student), Georgia Kerr (The Girl in the French Quarter), Peter Hannah (The Guard), James Tucker (Lester) and Tom Varey (Ollie Olsen). The company members play multiple roles around the central character of Ollie Olsen - characters weaving through the complex tapestry of his life. The production opens at Southwark Playhouse on 12 June, with previews from 10 June, and runs until 4 July.

SUMMER AND SMOKE Begins Tonight at T. Schreiber Theatre
by BWW News Desk - May 6, 2015


A young woman's spirit soars with newfound awareness in Tennessee Williams' quiet drama Summer and Smoke, where the freedom of youth collides with the expectations of society. Directed by Terry Schreiber, Summer and Smoke will be performed at the T. Schreiber Theatre, located at 151 West 26th Street, on the 7th Floor from tonight, May 6 - June 6. Member of the press are invited as of Saturday, May 9th.

SUMMER AND SMOKE to Run 5/6-6/6 at T. Schreiber Theatre
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 21, 2015


A young woman's spirit soars with newfound awareness in Tennessee Williams' quiet drama Summer and Smoke, where the freedom of youth collides with the expectations of society. Directed by Terry Schreiber, Summer and Smoke will be performed at the T. Schreiber Theatre, located at 151 West 26th Street, on the 7th Floor from May 6 - June 6. Member of the press are invited as of Saturday, May 9th.

UK Premiere of Tennessee Williams' ONE ARM, Adapted by Moises Kaufman, to Open at Southwark Playhouse
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 27, 2015


Alex Turner Productions today announce the UK premiere of Tennessee Williams' One Arm adapted for the stage by Moises Kaufman. Josh Seymour's production opens at Southwark Playhouse on 12 June, with previews from 10 June, and runs until 4 July.

Mississippi Mud Productions Presents and This American Blonde Actress Announce Cast of Tennessee Williams' VIEUX CARRE
by Louisa Brady - May 27, 2014


Mississippi Mud Productions and This American Blonde Actress announce full cast and talkbacks with director Jen Danby and cast of Tennessee Williams' Vieux Carre in Hell's Kitchen. Tickets on sale online at http://mudvieuxcarre.brownpapertickets.com - $18 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior.

Mississippi Mud Presents SHOTGUN COTTAGE PLAYS, Begin. Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 9, 2014


NYC based theatre company Mississippi Mud Productions announces its first production in Lido Beach, NY located about 25 miles outside of NYC. The company produces Tennessee Williams' one-acts Moony's Kid Don't Cry, directed by Jen Danby; The Lady of Larkspur Lotion, directed by Daniel Capalbo, Jr, with Miss Danby as Mrs. Hardwicke-Moore, an early sketch of Blanche DuBois; and Interior: Panic, an early sketch of A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by Edward Bergen and starring Jen Danby and Colleen Leone as sisters Blanche and Grace. Three plays, music, raffles and refreshments. Tickets on sale online @ http://shotguncottage.brownpapertickets.com - $25 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior, $10 Under 18.

Summer and Smoke FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Summer and Smoke have there been?
Summer and Smoke has had 5 productions including Broadway which opened in 1948, Broadway which opened in 1996, Off-Broadway which opened in 2018, West End which opened in 2018 and which opened in 2018.
What Tony Awards has Summer and Smoke been nominated for?
Summer and Smoke has been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design, with Jo Mielziner receiving the nomination.
What Tony Awards has Summer and Smoke won?
Summer and Smoke has won the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design for Jo Mielziner.
What awards has Summer and Smoke been nominated for?
Summer and Smoke has been nominated for the Performance category at the Theatre World Awards for Tod Andrews.
What awards has Summer and Smoke won?
Summer and Smoke has won the Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Tod Andrews.

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